North-West Adventures plus Halong bay– Explore the hidden treasures of North’s Mountains

Code:

NW07

Routes:

Hanoi – Mai Chau – Son La – Dien Bien Phu – Lai Chau – Sapa – Hanoi- Halong

Feature:

 

This is the most exciting and spectacular adventure in Vietnam. The northwest is still very much off the beaten path and is a captivating blend of dramatic landscapes and colorful hill tribes. This adventure takes you through stunning and isolated areas, which have changed little over time yet is steeped in history.
You will not only experience real rural Vietnam but will also meet and talk to numerous different ethnic minority groups who are very pleased to welcome you into their world.

 

Tour type:

Easy adventure & Private tour

 

Brief of Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival Ha Noi
Day 2: Hanoi - Son La
Day 3: Son La - Dien Bien Phu
Day 4: Dien Bien Phu – Muong Lay – Lai Chau
Day 5: Lai Chau – Tam Duong -  Sapa
Day 6: Sapa, Easy trek to Taphin & homestay with Red Dao people
Day 7: More treks, back to Sapa & night train to Hanoi
Day 8: Hanoi – Halong
Day 9: Halong - Hanoi – fly home

 

Itinerary in Details:

 

Day 1 (September 30th): Welcome 4 people to Vietnam

Welcome to Vietnam, Hanoi. Airport transfer to your hotel in Hanoi downtown. Check in then is your free time to get basic orientation with the locals. Overnight in hotel.

Included: Transfer, tour guide, hotel

 

Day 2 (October 1st):  Hanoi – pick up 1 person then transfer to Son La

After breakfast, the whole group transfer to the airport to pick up your friend. After that, we move to Son La. On the way, we may stop for late lunch in Mai Chau. Arrive in Son La in the late afternoon. Check in hotel then is your own time.

Included: Transfer, hotel, entrance fee(s), tour guide, breakfast, lunch

 

Day 3 (October 2nd):  Son La - Dien Bien Phu (170 km)

The further we drive the more impressive the mountain scenery becomes, so we will wake up in anticipation for another great day on the road. We will visit small villages and meet more tribal people along our journey to Dien Bien Phu city. Stop for lunch in Tuan Giao then continue on to Dien Bien. Be utterly amazed by the scenery at Pha Din pass.

Afternoon in Dien Bien Phu - the last base of the French power in Indochina. Here we will visit monuments, the museum, war relics and the preserved bunkers all telling the story of the final and victorious liberating battle of 1954. Dinner and free time to explore the night-life in this remote mountain city. Overnight in the Muong Thanh Hotel.

Included: Transfer, hotel, entrance fee(s), tour guide, breakfast, lunch

 

Day 4 (October 3rd):  Dien Bien Phu – Muong Lay – Lai Chau (200 km)

With about 6 – 7 hours of adventurous driving today, our journey is steep and often rugged. The road through the Lai Chau valley is both breathtaking and dramatic, hugging rice terraced mountainsides and fording turbulent rivers.

On this day you'll have a chance to see the most beautiful hill tribes in Northern Vietnam such as Hmong, Black Thai, Black Dao, and Pazi. Dinner and overnight in the colorful town of Tam Duong.

Included: Transfer, hotel, entrance fee(s), tour guide, breakfast, lunch

 

Day 5 (October 4th):  Lai Chau  -  Sapa (90km)

A morning walk around this peaceful town and take some time to explore the market before hitting the road. Its all uphill, as we wind upwards and through Tram Ton pass, the highest mountain pass in Viet Nam. We are rewarded with magnificent views of these Northern mountain ranges, the highest in Southeast Asia.

We will then experience a dramatic change in climate as we approach the town of Sapa – an old French hill station and busy market town for the regional minority groups. Towering peaks, often shrouded in cloud, border the town. The air is cool, crisp and refreshing. Check in at a hotel with comfort then free to explore joining in the spirit of this famous little town.

Included: Transfer, hotel, entrance fee(s), tour guide, breakfast, lunch

 

Day 6 (October 5th):  Sapa - Ta Phin, trek and homestay (4 hours)

Take short ride from Sapa to our trekking base where we start our trek through terraced rice fields and Hmong villages. Chances to meet and talk with locals working in the fields are plentiful.

We will break for a picnic lunch en route then continue trekking to Ta Phin village of the Dao people (4 hours). Your Dao host family will warmly welcome you to their traditional home where we will share in an ethnic style dinner and stay the night.

Included: Transfer, homestay, entrance fee(s), tour guide, all meals, permit

 

Day 7 (October 6th): More trek and back to Sapa, night train to Hanoi

At the first of gleam of daylight, you will see and hear the sounds of morning village life. After breakfast, we will complete our trek on a valley route to the main road (4 hours). Alternatively, for this long trek, you can choose to take a short morning wander around the village for about 1 hour, resulting in more time spent with the host family. For both options, you will be supported by our car / van back to Sapa (30 minutes).

When we arrive back in Sapa you will have the afternoon for some free time to discover the secrets of this colorful town. At 5:30 pm your driver will bring you to the train station in Lao Cai. We depart at 8:50 pm on an AC soft sleeper class to Hanoi – a safe train journey will bring you back to Hanoi at 5:00 am. Your adventure ends here with a lifetime's worth of memories.

Included: Transfer, train ticket, entrance fee(s), tour guide, breakfast

 

Day 8 (October 7th): Hanoi – Halong bay

Arrive in Hanoi at around 4h30, take a short walk to hotel nearby the train station for short rest. After breakfast, we take our van to Halong bay. After 3.5 hours driving and viewing simple, country side, rice paddy life, we arrive at the at port. At 12.00, the junk crews welcome guests on board at Hon Gai Wharf. Enjoy welcome drinks and check in Deluxe cabin. Lunch with fresh local seafood while cruising into Halong bay. Get to Vong Vieng after 2 hours. Start exploring Vong Vieng fishing village and the hidden lagoons in Bai Tu Long Bay by kayaks or our small rowboats. Back to junk to enjoy relaxing or the sunset. Dinner and overnight on board nearby Vong Vieng village or Trinh Nu cave.

Included: Transfer, entrance fee(s), tour guide, breakfast, lunch, dinner, morning hotel, accommodation (cabin on boat).

 

Day 9 (October 8th): Halong bay – Hanoi airport for your flight home

Early risers can enjoy the sunrise and the quiet breath-taking beauty of Bay’s landscape. From 7.30 to 10.30, Serve Ala carte (Guests can order any dishes in the menu whenever they want for Breakfast and Lunch). Around 8.00, Start discovering Ba Cua beach where the guests enjoy swimming, sunbathing or relaxing. Back to junk, arrange luggage and check out cabin while cruising back. By noon we will be ashore then hit the road back to Hanoi airport for your flight home. Goodbye Vietnam with lots of memories. Our tour ends at the airport.

Included: Transfer, entrance fee(s), tour guide, breakfast, lunch, boat trip.

 

Cost: US$758/person who arrives on September 30th.
            US$719 for the person who arrive on the 2nd day
                                                                              (Priced on private tour of 4 people)

Cost does not include: Insurance, drinks, other personal expenses, tips are welcome!

 

Trip Notes:

Hotel:

Sleeper train to Sapa:  http://www.footprintsvietnam.com/FAQs/Sapa/AreThere-SleeperTrainTo-Sapa.htm

Car/van quality: For transit, fully equipped with seat bell & AC.

What to Bring: Passport, change of clothes, sun-glasses & hat, towels, toiletries, sun-block, insect repellent, flashlight, proper footwear, sleeping bag, camera, raincoat or umbrella, cable locks for luggage, personal first aid kit & medicines, small VND notes for buying drinks.

Please Travel Responsibly: The small things you do will make a big difference.

Booking Terms & Conditions: Tour itinerary and tour prices are subject to change without notice. Please click here for more information.